Feb 21, 2012 5:19 AM

The second annual Closer to Free Ride to benefit Smilow Cancer Hospital at Yale-New Haven will take place on September 8, 2012, beginning and concluding at the Yale Bowl Complex in New Haven. Three professionally-designed, safe and scenic routes of 25, 62.5 and 100 miles will travel through communities including: Branford, Chester, Clinton, Deep River, Durham, East Haven, Essex, Guilford, Killingworth, Madison, New Haven, North Branford, Old Saybrook, Wallingford and Westbrook. Cancer survivors, patients, families, friends, trained athletes and riders of all skill levels and abilities take part in this fundraising ride. Each participating cyclist pay a $100 registration fee and raise a minimum of $400 to ride. The goal of the ride is to raise $1 million which will help to expand cancer research and clinical programs at Smilow Cancer Hospital at Yale New-Haven. If biking is not your thing, there are plenty of ways to contribute. We’re looking for energetic volunteers to help on ride day. We provide training, food and drink, and a t-shirt. Volunteers will also have the opportunity to fundraise. For more information, please visit the ride website at www.rideclosertofree.org or e-mail rideclosertofree@ynhh.org. Rider and volunteer registration opens March 1, 2012.